Royal Palm

A royal palm, Roystonea regia, in Arizona.

Tropical Lushness

A bright ti plant stands out in the midst of tropical foliage.

Water Falling

A beautiful, yet artificial, waterfall in Arizona.

Santa Barbara Scenic

Tall Mexican fan palms line the beach in Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez mountains rise in the background.

King Palm Duo

These king palms in Santa Barbara, California evoke a tropical feeling.

Natal Plum Flower

The natal plum bears a close resemblance to the plumeria, but is much smaller.

Another Orchid

Although this isn't an orchid, it sure does look like one.

Golden Cane Palm

Two clusters of golden cane palms, Dypsis lutescens, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Arizona Hibiscus

A tropical hibiscus at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.

Floating Orb from Space

Is this another unidentified flying object?

Enlighten Me

An agapanthus from last year illuminated by a beam of sunlight.

Evolution of a Tropical Garden

The photos below show the changes my tropical garden experienced over the summer, from the period of mid-July to September. Next year promises to bring more expansion, with the addition of bamboo, bougainvillea, queen palms, hibiscus, and more banana plants. The garden is currently scattered over the property, in a greenhouse and by the front door.

Stage 01

My humble tropical garden on its first photographed day, July 21, 2006. Note that only a banana plant and pygmy date palm were present.

Stage 02

The garden had undergone change only a week after its creation.

Stage 03

The garden in August just after the replacement of the plastic tub with a ceramic container.

Stage 04

My tropical garden in September of 2006, very different from its start in July. It has seen the addition of four plumerias, a colocasia plant, a peace lily, a king palm, elephant ears, and alpine strawberries. When the banana was purchased in July, it was about two feet tall, and is now at least twice that height.

December Green

NorCal does have its advantages: the trees are green all year.

Hard Frost

Northern California has experienced a bit of a shock over the last few days. The temperature yesterday morning was 27 degrees Fahrenheit! That's the coldest I have ever seen it get here in the Bay Area. However, my tropical plants are failry fine; the banana plant has some shriveling leaves and so does the colocasia, but everything else is okay, including the "non-tolerant of frost" king palm.

At least the next few days are the shortest of the year: after that, the sun stays out longer and signs of spring start to emerge...

Plumeria obtusa

A Singapore plumeria, (Plumeria obtusa), at a nursery in Southern California.

End of the Season

My tropical garden winding down a few weeks ago after the addition of a small bamboo.

Teeth

The leaves of honey bush look dangerous to touch, but aren't.

Southern California Skies

A Kentia palm invokes thoughts of the tropics.

Tropical Hibiscus

A hibiscus from Southern California to ward off the winter blues.

Hong Kong Orchid Tree

This specimen isn't in Hong Kong though, but rather the Quail Botanical Gardens in San Diego.

Veins

A fallen leaf backlit by the Sun.

Sweet Gum Leaves

Bright red leaves of a sweet gum tree on December 2, 2006.

Starting to Grow

Last week, I bought an amaryllis bulb, and it is starting to grow quickly.